Been asked in DM to explain why I’m so agin’ ComicsGate – the simple answer is that I’ve watched the group form, I’ve seen the people who it attracts, I’ve seen who they attack and I want absolutely nothing to do with it.
I’ve seen how groups like that form, I’ve watched as a hardcore of lunatics form a defensive wall of less-mad-but-still-dangerous and then surround themselves with people just having a good time. The further out from the centre the more “reasonable” they become. BUT …
I’m from NI, where we have groups and organisations like that around every corner. Where no-one cares what religion you are, until you’re at a party one night and someone tells you about the time they ran down a “taig” who was scared shitless, and you sit nodding, because …
you’re a taig (ie a catholic). I’ve lived surrounded by people from a different community and got on great with them, until one lunatic with a petrol bomb decided catholics shouldn’t exist. I’ve worked with nice, lovely people who have best friends who are catholics who would never treat you differently, except when they say the 12th of july, they mouth it silently to you because… well, you know… you’re not really part of that group.
And don’t get me wrong, I’m absolutely sure there are protestants who’ve had near identical if inverse experiences to me. Blokes on a night out with some mates thats all just a laugh until one of them finds out they’re not from around here and then the jokes about how close their eyes are together, how they’re a left-footer, and then shouting out irish slogans and then fights.. ANYWAY, if you wonder why I want nothing to do with CG thats why – there’s a stink of sectarianism that reeks so high from there (the use of exclusive language “SJW” – you use that phrase unironincally, you’re signalling you’re part of the group – you bridle at hearing it then it’s a shibboleth – marking you as an outsider) The CG has formed a defensive wall around its beliefs, anyone not part of the group is ipso facto attacking the group. Again: I say – I want no part of it. I’ll steer clear, thank you, of that group (it’s ok, I promise, you won’t miss me) Personally, if asked, I’d advise everyone who wants nothing to do with it to walk a wide berth around it, but I’m no one else’s keeper so I equally don’t have to explain why anyone else does anything.
(Feel certain it’ll only be a matter of minutes before I regret posting this at all)